The provincial government of Samar officially launched “Pamatron”, a localized fiesta-stay tourism program designed to immerse visitors in the province’s cultural traditions, with the kickoff held in Matuguinao on Monday, ahead of the town’s fiesta celebration on Tuesday.
The program, derived from the phrase “patrons of culture,” aims to transform tourists from passive observers into active participants in local fiesta celebrations by allowing them to experience firsthand the customs, food traditions, religious observances, and everyday community life in Samar’s municipalities.
Provincial tourism officials said the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen cultural tourism by packaging local fiestas into immersive travel experiences that highlight the province’s heritage while generating income opportunities for host communities.
Under the program, visitors may stay for three days up to one week, covering the pre-fiesta, fiesta proper, and post-fiesta phases.
The tourism experience is divided into three segments: “Ante and Vesperas,” which showcases community preparations and traditional cooking; “Kaadlawan,” the core of the fiesta featuring religious and cultural celebrations; and “Liwas,” which extends the experience through heritage tours, local crafts, and nature-based activities after the main festivities.
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